Portable golf practicing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a portable golf-practicing apparatus. The portable golf-practicing apparatus includes a rectangular box-like case having the top opening portion and one lateral opening portion. A slanted plate having a hole cup is provided inside the case. One end of the slanted plate is pivotably attached to the lateral opening portion of the case such that a slope angle thereof can be adjusted. A mat having a length of above two time of the slanted plate is provided. The mat is capable of spreading through the lateral opening portion of the case when in use and being folded and received inside the case when stored. A side plate is provided for opening and closing the lateral opening portion of the case. A cover is provided for opening and closing the top opening portion of the case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting in a puttingand chip shot practice. More specifically, the invention relates to aportable golf-practicing apparatus, in which a putting mat is integrallyconstructed with a bag-like case such that the mat can be folded andreceived into the bag-like case when unused and, when in use, can besimply spread out of the bag-like case, thereby easily and convenientlyinstalling and carrying the apparatus.

2. Background of the Related Art

In general, a golf skill is divided into a club swing ability and aputting technique. In the game of golf, a putting is a final stroke fordepositing a golf ball into the hole cup on the green in order to finishone hole. This putting skill affects significantly a golfing ability ora final score in the game of golf.

For both the professional and amateur golfers, the putting is of a greatimportance in lessening the total number of strokes. Thus, this imposesa heavy burden on the golfers, who thereby suffers a variety of adversereactions. For example, a golfer tends to be hasty to see if the golfball is holed in and thus hold his or her head up before finishing theputting swing. Therefore, the putting address is disturbed and the faceof the putter is deviated from the target line, thus hitting the golfball at an angle. Furthermore, the subsequent follow through is notadequate and thus the golf ball fails to roll along the imaginary lineof target.

In this way, a golfer is so afraid of and uneasy about a putting that astate of severe tension called “Yips” is caused, i.e., the body isstiffened and trembled. During execution of putting, therefore, thegolfer tends to become too hasty or have a trembling wrist or arm due tothe stiffness of body, and also may cause a flinch during the followthrough.

If a golfer continues to lose control in short putting due to thishead-up or inadequate follow-through, he or she is likely to loseconfidence for putting. Thus, even in an iron shot or approach stroketowards the putting green, the golfer comes to make mistakes due to anobsession to approach the golf ball as near as possible to the hole cup.Consequently, by the domino effect, these mistakes are led to over thewhole game.

The putting is executed on a putting green having a variety of shapesand patterns, and requires a sophisticated skill rather than power,collectively considering the speed (force) and direction of the golfball, depending on a state and design of the green and the like. Inorder to maintain a sense of putting, a consistent effort and practiceis needed to memorize an accurate address and swing to the body.

Therefore, the golf maniacs practice putting indoors at any time, usinga putting-practicing device. However, conventional putting-practicingdevices are bulky, complicated and expensive, so that they cannot beeasily installed and, once installed, cannot be readily moved. Thus,disadvantageously the putting practice can be performed only in theplace where the device is installed. In addition, the conventionalpracticing machine occupies a large area so that it can not be installedin a small space, thus decreasing the space efficiency. Furthermore, theconventional machine installed in the house or office usually comes tostand in the way to thereby cause much inconvenience.

In order to solve the above problems, a simpler device for puttingpractice has been proposed, which consists of a long mat to be spread onthe floor and a hole cup. This device can be rolled up after practice,but cannot be portably carried, for example, between home and work, soas to enable to use it at any time, if possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the aboveproblems in the art, and it is an object of the present invention toprovide a portable golf-practicing apparatus, in which a putting mat isintegrally constructed with a bag-like case such that the mat can befolded and received into the bag-like case when unused and, when in use,can be simply spread out of the bag-like case, thereby easily andconveniently installing and carrying the apparatus.

To accomplish the above object, according to one aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a portable golf-practicing apparatus. Theportable golf-practicing apparatus of the invention comprises: arectangular box-like case, the top and one lateral side of the casebeing opened; a slanted plate having a hole cup formed at a desiredposition, one end of the slanted plate being pivotably attached to thelateral opening portion of the case such that a slope angle thereof canbe adjusted; a mat capable of spreading through the lateral openingportion of the case when in use and being folded and received inside thecase when stored, one end of the mat being attached to the top face ofthe slanted plate; a side plate for opening and closing the lateralopening portion of the case; and a cover for opening and closing the topopening portion of the case.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided aportable golf-practicing apparatus. The golf-practicing apparatus of theinvention comprises: a rectangular box-like case, the top and onelateral side of the case being opened; a slanted plate having a hole cupformed at a desired position, one end of the slanted plate beingpivotably attached to the lateral opening portion of the case such thata slope angle thereof can be adjusted; a support bar supporting theslanted plate at an adjusted slope angle while moving toward and awayfrom a pivot point of the slanted plate; a mat having a length of morethan two times of the slanted plate, one end of the mat being attachedto the top face of the slanted plate, the mat being capable of spreadingthrough the lateral opening portion of the case when in use and beingfolded and received inside the case when stored; a mat support platebeing comprised of two or more unit plates on top of which the mat isattached, one of the unit plates closing the top opening portion of thecase and the remainder being received inside the case; and a side plateopening and closing the lateral opening portion of the case.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided aportable golf-practicing apparatus. The golf-practicing apparatus of theinvention comprises: a rectangular box-like case, the top and onelateral side of the case being opened; a slanted plate having a hole cupformed at a desired position, one end of the slanted plate beingpivotably attached to the lateral opening portion of the case such thata slope angle thereof can be adjusted; a support bar supporting theslanted plate at an adjusted slope angle while moving toward and awayfrom a pivot point of the slanted plate; a mat having a length of morethan two times of the slanted plate, one end of the mat being attachedto the top face of the slanted plate, the mat being capable of spreadingthrough the lateral opening portion of the case when in use and beingfolded and received inside the case when stored; a mat support platebeing comprised of two or more unit plates on top of which the mat isattached, the mat support plate being spread outside of the case andbeing folded and received inside the case along with the mat; a sideplate opening and closing the lateral opening portion of the case; and achipping mat plate closing and opening the top opening portion of thecase, an artificial lawn being attached to one face of the chipping matplate so as to perform a chip shot practice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent from the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a spread state of a portablegolf-practicing apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a folded state of the potablegolf-practicing apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the portable golf-practicingapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section explaining how to adjust the slope angle ofthe slanted plate;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section explaining a principle as to how a golf ballis returned to the putting position according to the invention;

FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate procedures of folding a golf-practicingapparatus of the invention into a bag-like case after practice;

FIG. 10 illustrates a portable golf-practicing apparatus according toanother embodiment of the invention, where an electrical ball-returndevice is applied;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views showing the structure of a ballejector in detail;

FIG. 11 shows a state before the ball ejector of FIG. 10 is operated;

FIG. 12 shows an operating state where the ball ejector of FIG. 10 hitsthe ball;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portable golf-practicing apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the invention, showing a folded statethereof;

FIG. 14 is a cross-section taken along the line A-A in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a mat being spread in thegolf-practicing apparatus of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a mat completely spread and readyfor a putting practice;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an unfolded portable golf-practicingapparatus of the invention where it is arranged for a chip shotpractice;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a locking device for locking aright wall plate in the golf-practicing apparatus of FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an audio generator in thegolf-practicing apparatus according to the invention; and

FIG. 20 is a cross-section taken along the line B-B in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiments of the invention will be hereafter describedin detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a spread state of a portablegolf-practicing apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a folded state of the potablegolf-practicing apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspectiveview of the portable golf-practicing apparatus of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the golf-practicing apparatus of theinvention is constructed such that a mat 100 can be folded in threelayers and received inside a case 200, and thus have a lengthcorresponding to that of a common golf practicing machine. Therefore,when the mat 100 is spread, it has an adequate length to execute aputting. Specifically, the golf-practicing apparatus of the invention isprovided with a case 200 structured such that a mat support plate 110and the mat 100 disposed thereon are folded together and receivedtherein. As shown in FIG. 1, the case 200 is formed of a rectangularbox-like bag, of which top and right side can be opened. Inside the case200 is provided a ball-return plate 300 installed so as to be slanted bymeans of a resilient member 310. The ball-return plate 300 is attachedto a floor plate 210 of the case at the ball-discharging side of theball-return plate 300. That is, the bottom face of the ball-return plate300 is fixed to the floor plate 210 at the right opening 202 side of thecase, for example, by means of an adhesive. Near a left wall plate 220of the case is provided a latch projection 222 formed in such a way tobe protruded inwardly. One end side of the ball-return plate 300supported by the resilient member 310 is spaced apart from the floorplate 210, and its downward movement is restricted by the latchprojection 222 and limited thereto. In this way, the ball-return plate300 becomes slanted gradually towards the right side from the left sideof the case 200. When the mat 100 is folded into the inside of the case200, the resilient member 310 is compressed to thereby provide a spacethereinside for accommodating the mat 100. The ball-return plate 300 isdownwardly slanted towards the spreading direction of the mat 100, suchthat a golf ball fallen onto the ball-return plate 300 can bespontaneously rolled back to the putting position by means of the slopethereof. In addition, the ball-return plate 300 is provided with a mat302 around the area facing a hole cup 510, which will be hereinafterexplained. The mat 302 functions to alleviate impact by a golf ballfalling from the hole cup 510.

Near the right opening 202 of the case 200, a slanted plate 500 ispivotably attached to the case 200. The slanted plate 500 is pivotablycoupled to the floor plate of the case 200 near the right opening 202thereof, for example, using an adhesive tape 520. As illustrated, theslanted plate 500 may be pivotably connected to the floor plate 210 ofthe case, preferably using a hinge 522 under the adhesive tape 520. Thecoupling between the slanted plate 500 and the case 200 may be madeusing the adhesive tape 520 and the hinge 522 together, or either one ofthem. At a front wall plate 230 and a rear wall plate 240 of the case isformed respectively angle adjustment grooves 232, 242 at regularintervals along the longitudinal direction thereof, which face eachother. Into the angle adjustment grooves 232, 242 is inserted a supportbar 530, on which the bottom face of the slanted plate 500 is to berested to thereby maintain an adjusted slope angle of the slanted plate500. Details thereon will be hereinafter described, in conjunction withFIG. 4.

The mat 100 is attached on the surface of the slanted plate 500. A holecup 510 is provided at one end portion of the slanted plate 500. Thehole cup 510 is placed above the ball-return plate 300 and spaced aparttherefrom by a certain distance. The edge portion adjacent to the holecup 510 is bent up by a certain height to form a dam 502, at which thegolf ball is bounced back without entering the hole cup 510 in case of astrong putting. In addition, the hole cup 510 is provided with ahole-size adjuster 512 for changing the size of the hoe cup 510. Thehole-size adjuster 514 is structured such that, when it is inserted intoa hole 514, the size of the hole cup 514 becomes smaller, and when it isremoved from the hole 514, the hole cup 514 becomes larger, therebyadjusting the difficulty index (relative difficulties) of puttingaccording to a users skill.

On the floor of the case 200 is provided a storage space 250 for holdinga golf ball, and a level 260 is disposed near the storage space 250. Thelevel 260 is used for checking the horizontal level of an installationplace where the practicing apparatus of the invention is to be unfoldedand used. Furthermore, the case 200 is provided with a putter retainer224 for holding a putter (not shown).

One end portion of the mat 100 is attached to the slanted plate 500, andthe remaining portion of the mat 100 is disposed on a mat support plate110, which is comprised of three unit plates 120, 130, and 140. Thefirst unit plate 120 adjacent to the floor plate 210 of the caseconstitutes a top plate of the case when folded. The other second andthird unit plates 130 and 140 are to be folded inwards of the first unitplate 120 and received inside the case 200. Along an edge area of thefirst to third unit plates 120, 130 and 140 is formed a ball returnpassages 122, 132 and 142, which is connected with a guide passage 302of the ball return plate 300. Thus, a ball is guided from the guidepassage 303 to the end of the third unit plate 140, i.e., near theputting position. In this way, the mat 100 is attached to the slantedplate 500, the first unit plate 120, the second unit plate 130, and thethird unit plate 140, and thus when the mat 100 is spread, the slantedplate and the first to third unit plates 120 to 140 are closelyconnected one after another. Here, the mat 100 is not attached to theplates 500, 120, 130, and 140 over a certain width along the meetinglines between neighboring plates. Therefore, when the mate 100 isfolded, the first to third unit plates 120, 130 and 140, on which themate 100 is attached, can be folded properly without being wrinkled orcreased at the boundary area between the plates. In particular, thethird unit plate 140 to be first folded is provided with a spacerprojection 144 formed at both sides adjacent the second unit plate 130,such that the second and third unit plates 130 and 140 are spaced apartfrom each other when folded and thus the mate 100 is not creased at theboundary area in-between. Furthermore, the first unit plate 120constitutes the top of the case 200 when the golf-practicing apparatusof the invention is completely folded. Therefore, the rear face of thefirst unit plate 120 (the bottom face thereof when unfolded) ispreferred to have the same color and pattern as that of the other sidesof the case 200. For example, in case where the surface of the case 200is made to have a wood texture, the rear face of the first unit plate120 is provided with the same wood texture, thereby giving a sense ofmonolithic structure (monolithic beauty) when the golf-practicingapparatus is folded to form a bag-like case. In the case is formed ahandle 270 for easy hand-carrying.

When folding the mate 100, the third unit plate 140 and the second unitplate 130 are folded in sequence. Thereafter, the first unit plate 120is to be guided along guide grooves 234 and 244, which are formed atboth sides of the upper opening 204 of the case 200. That is, the firstunit plate 120 is inserted while the both sides thereof is slid alongthe guide grooves 234 and 244, and then inserted into a left insertinggroove 226 formed in the left wall plate 220 of the case. Then, a rightwall plate 280 is closed to thereby complete the folding procedure. Forthis purpose, one end of the right wall plate 280 is pivotably connectedto the rear wall plate 240 using a hinge (not shown), and a latchingmember 282 is fixed on the other end thereof. A locking member 236 isinstalled in the front wall plate 230 correspondingly to the latchingmember 282 so that the right wall plate 280 can be turned to close theright opening 202 of the case 200, and then locked by the latching andlocking members 282 and 236, thereby completing the procedures offolding and receiving the mat 200. In this way, the locking devicecomprised of the locking member 236 and the latching member 282 may beformed of a metallic material so as to serve as an external decoration,as in this embodiment. Alternatively, the locking device may be made toplace inside the case 200 in order to provide a beauty of simplicity. Inthe right wall plate 280 is formed a right inserting groove 284, intowhich the facing edge portion of the first unit plate 120 is insertedand fixed.

As described above, the first unit plate 120 of the mat support plate110 serves as a cover of the case (a bag-like case). Other unit plates,for example, the third unit plate 140 may serve as a cover of thebag-like case, or a separate cover may be provided in order to close thetop of the case and the mat support plate 110 may be omitted in thiscase. In addition, the mat support plate 110 may be comprised of threeunit plates as described above, or may be constituted of two or four ormore unit plates. That is, according to the invention, the mat supportplate 110 is preferred to comprise two or more unit plates.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section explaining how to adjust the slope angle ofthe slanted plate.

As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the slanted plate 500 is pivotablyattached to the floor plate 210 of the case 200 at the right openingside thereof, using a hinge 522. In addition, at both sides of the caseis formed an angle adjustment groove 232, 242 facing each other andalong the longitudinal direction of the mat 100. A support bar 530 isinserted into a certain pair of angle adjustment grooves 232 and 242 tothereby support the bottom face of the slanted plate 500 and maintainthe adjusted slope angle thereof. In particular, below the angleadjustment grooves 232 and 242, a putting distance corresponding to eachadjusted angle is indicated at each corresponding angle adjustmentgroove such that a user can easily set an appropriate slope angle of theslanted plate 500 according to the putting distances. That is, withrespect to each angle adjustment groove, i.e., each slope angle, aneffective putting distance is estimated and indicated, for example, inmeter unit. For example, in case where the slanted plate 500 issupported on the support bar 530 inserted into an angle adjustmentgroove 232, 242 indicated with 5m, it is set up to a slope anglecorresponding to a putting distance of 5 m. Needless to say, as thepuffing distance increases, the slope angle becomes steep as much. Inthis way, the slope angle of the slanted plate 500 can be adjusteddepending on a desired putting distance, and then a putting practice canbe performed correspondingly to the set putting distance.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section explaining a principle as to how a ball isreturned according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, when a golf ball 400 putted along the mat (notillustrated in FIG. 5) enters the hole cup 510, the golf ball 400 fallsonto the ball return plate 300 through the hole cup 510. Then, the golfball 400 rolls down along the slant face of the ball return plate 300,and subsequently moves to and rolls along the ball return passages 122,132 and 142 provided in the first to third unit plates 120,130 and 140,finally reaching near the putting position, i.e., near the end portionof the mat 100. Thus, a user can simply move the returned golf ball 400into his or her putting position and then try a putting again. In thisway, the golf ball can be returned by means of a difference in heightsbetween the hole cup area and the putting position. Alternatively,different mechanisms for returning the golf ball may be employed, oneexample of which will be hereinafter described, in conjunction with FIG.10.

FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate procedures of folding a golf-practicingapparatus of the invention into a bag-like case after practice.

The golf-practicing apparatus of the invention can be easily carried byfolding the spread apparatus into a bag-like case after practice. Inorder to fold the apparatus of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9,the mat 100 is folded in sequence, starting from the end portionthereof. That is, the third unit plate 140 is folded toward the secondunit plate 130, along with the mat 100 attached thereto. At this time,as illustrated in FIG. 7, due to the spacer projection 144 formed in thethird unit plate 140, the third and second unit plates 140 and 130 arefolded so as to be spaced apart from each other by a certain gap suchthat the mat 100 at the boundary area in-between can be folded in around fashion, without causing a wrinkle or a crease. After folding thethird unit plate 140 onto the second unit plate 130, as shown in FIG. 8,the folded second and third unit plates 130 and 140 are folded togethertowards the first unit plate 120. Thereafter, the folded and stackedfirst, second and third unit plates 120, 130, 140 is put inside the case200 in such a way that the rear face (bottom face) of the first unitplate 120 is exposed to the outside and constitutes the top of the case200, as shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, both edges of the first unitplate 120 is inserted into the guide grooves 234 and 244 provided atboth sides of the case 200 and slid inwards until the first unit plate120 covers completely the top opening of the case 200. Then, the rightwall plate 280 is turned to close the right opening of the case, andlocked using the latching member and the locking member. Thus, thefolding procedures of the golf-practicing apparatus of the invention arecompleted, and the apparatus of the invention is converted into abag-like case, which can be easily transported or carried using thehandle provided in the case.

Hereafter, a method of using the portable golf-practicing apparatus ofthe invention will be described in detail, referring to FIGS. 1 to 9.

The portable golf-practicing apparatus of the invention is carried ortransported in a folded state as described above. In order to use theapparatus for putting practice, first, the latching member 282 isreleased from the locking member 236 and the right side of the case 200is opened by turning the release right wall plate 280. Then, the firstunit plate 120, which forms the top plate (cover) of the case, is slidtowards the right opening 202 so as to be detached from the case 200.Therefore, the folded first to third unit plates 120, 130 and 140 can beunfolded, that is, the first unit plate 120 is unfolded from the slantedplate 500 to thereby rest on the floor. Then, the second unit plate 130is unfolded from the first unit plate 120 to rest on the floor andsimilarly the third unit plate 140 is unfolded from the second unitplate 130 to thereby rest on the floor. Thus, the mat 100 attached tothe slanted plate 500 and the first to third unit plates 120 to 150 isspread completely and rested on the floor to be used forgolf-practicing. At this state, a golf ball 400 can be put on a puttingposition at the third unit plate 140 and then a putting can be executedtowards the hole cup 510.

After practice, the golf-practicing apparatus of the invention can befolded back into the bag-like case by carrying out the above proceduresin a reverse order and locking the lacking member 136, thereby enablingto be stored in the folded state, or held and carried using the handle270.

FIG. 10 illustrates a portable golf-practicing apparatus according toanother embodiment of the invention, where an electrical ball-returndevice is applied. In FIG. 10, the same elements as in the previousembodiment are omitted and modified portions are illustrated for thepurpose of clear understanding of this embodiment. Particularly, inorder to clearly illustrate a ball-returning structure, FIG. 10 focuseson the floor portion of the case excepting the slanted plate, etc. FIGS.11 and 12 are perspective views showing the structure of a ball ejectorin detail. FIG. 11 shows a state before the ball ejector of FIG. 10 isoperated, and FIG. 12 shows an operating state where the ball ejector ofFIG. 10 hits the ball.

In the previous embodiment, the golf ball is spontaneously returned dueto the slanted structure (the difference in heights) of the ball-returnplate. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, an electromechanicaldevice is employed, where a sensor 610 a detects the golf ball and aball ejector 620 a hits the golf ball to send it to a putting position.More specifically, a ball guide 630 a, which is disposed below the holecup, guides a golf ball 400 a fallen through the hole cup to a ballguide groove 632 a, due to the slanted structure thereof. Asillustrated, the ball guide groove 623 a has an inclined structure so asto move the golf ball 400 towards the sensor 610 a. The golf ball 400 a,which is moved along the ball guide groove 632 a, is to be touched bythe sensor 610 a, as shown in FIG. 11. Then the ball ejector 620 a isoperated in such a way that a striker plate 622 a is instantaneouslyprojected to thereby strike the golf ball 400 a, as shown in FIG. 12.The struck golf ball 400 a rolls down to the putting position along aball return passageway provided in the lateral side of the mat along thelongitudinal direction thereof. Here, the sensor 610 a may employsuitably a pressure sensor capable of operating in response to the ballpressure, and the ball ejector 620 a may be configured so as to hit thegolf ball 400 a, preferably through the operation of an electric motoror solenoid or the like. The power supply for the ball ejector 620 a mayemploy a battery or a power supply of the building.

In FIG. 10, the reference numeral 250 a denotes a ball storage case andthe reference numeral 260 a denotes a level.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portable golf-practicing apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the invention, showing a folded statethereof. FIG. 14 is a cross-section taken along the line A-A in FIG. 13.FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a mat being spread in thegolf-practicing apparatus of FIG.13. FIG. 16 is a perspective viewshowing a mat completely spread and ready for a putting practice. FIG.17 is a perspective view of an unfolded portable golf-practicingapparatus of the invention where it is arranged for a chip shotpractice.

This embodiment is mostly identical or similar to the previousembodiments and thus details on the same features will not be repeatedhere.

In this embodiment, a mat support plate 110 b supporting a mat 100 b iscomprised of four unit plates, i.e., a first to fourth unit plates 120b, 130 b, 140 b and 150 b. The mat 100 b is attached to a slanted plate500 b, and the first to fourth unit plates 120 b, 130 b, 140 b and 150 bto thereby connect these plates in sequence. Preferably, the mat 100 bis not attached over a certain width along the boundary area betweenneighboring plates. Therefore, when the mat 100 b is folded into thebag-like case 200 b, i.e., the fourth unit plate 150 b, the third unitplate 140 b, the second unit plate 130 b and the first unit plate 120 bare folded in sequence, the mat 100 b is prevented from being creased orwrinkled at the boundary area between the unit plates 120 b, 130 b, 140b and 150 b. In this way, these unit plates 120 b, 130 b, 140 b and 150b are folded in a multi-layered fashion and received into the case 200b. Thus, preferably, the fourth unit plate 150 b to be first folded hasa shortest length and their length becomes larger gradually toward thefirst unit plate 120 b. Of course, the first to fourth unit plates 120b, 130 b, 140 b and 150 b have a same width such that the mat 100 b canbe supported with a same width when it is spread. In particular, the mat100 b may employ an artificial lawn, but a carpet-type mat is preferredfor the purpose of putting practice, more preferably a velvet carpet matmay be used.

In case of the previous embodiments, the first unit plate 120 of the matsupport plate 110 serves as a cover for opening and closing the top ofthe case 200. In this embodiment, a chipping mat plate 700 b is providedseparately from the mat support plate 110 b and the chipping mat pate700 b serves as a cover. That is, since the portable golf-practicingapparatus of this embodiment is provided with the chipping mat plate 700b additionally, it can be used for chip shot practice, along withputting practice. As shown in FIG. 16, the chipping mat plate 700 b isprovided with an artificial lawn 710 b attached to one face thereof tothereby provide a sense of real field when in chip shot practicing. Thechipping mat plate 700 b may be placed adjacent to the fourth unit plate150 b of the mat support plate 110 b in order to perform a puffingpractice, as shown in FIG. 16. Alternatively, the chipping mat plate 700b may be placed spaced apart from the fourth unit plate 150 b by acertain distance and then a chip shot practice can be performed. Whenpracticing a chip shot, the spaced distance from the fourth unit plate150 b can be controlled, thereby improving a sense of chip shot,depending on the distance between the golf ball 400 b and the hole cup514 b.

The golf-practicing apparatus of this embodiment is provided with a damprotruded at both sides of the mat support plate 110 b. The damfunctions to prevent the golf ball pushed by the ball ejector 620 b fromescaping the returning path of the mat support plate 110 b. This dam isstructured so as to have a height slightly higher than that of the mat,considering the thickness of the mat 100 b attached on the mat supportplate 110 b. For example, if the thickness of the mat is 5 mm, theheight of dam must be above 6 mm at minimum in order for the dam to beprotruded upwardly from the mat 100 b to thereby effectively preventescape of a golf ball. The height of the dam is preferred to be at least3 mm higher than that of the mat 100 b, considering the height of a golfball 400 b. On the other hand, the dam in the chipping mat plate 700 bhas a height lower than that of the artificial lawn 710 b, so that agolf ball is not impeded by the dam when trying a putting on thechipping mat plate 700 b, which is connected to the mat support plate110 b. In this embodiment, the chipping mat plate 700 b may not havesuch a dam. However, if a dam lower than the artificial lawn 710 b isprovided, preferably the artificial lawn 710 b can be accuratelyattached to and stably supported by the chipping mate plate 700 b.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, all the locking elements excepting arelease button 292 b is designed to be installed inside the case 200 bso as not to be exposed to the outside, dissimilar to the previousembodiments where a metallic locking device (the latching member and thelacking member) is attached to the exterior of the case. Therefore, abeautiful and gracious wood texture such as rose wood or walnut wood canbe implemented into the case 200 b as it is. Further details thereonwill be described below, in conjunction with FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a locking device for locking aright wall plate in the golf-practicing apparatus of FIG. 13. In thisembodiment, the latching and locking elements are simplified andminiaturized so as to be installed inside the case, and only a woodenbutton made of the same material as the case is exposed in the exteriorof the case.

As illustrated, the right opening portion of the case 200 b is providedwith a hook-like latching member 294 b protruded laterally therefrom.The right wall plate 280 b is provided with an inserting groove 296 bformed at a position corresponding to the hook-like latching member 294b, which is to be inserted into the inserting groove 296 b. Inside theinserting groove 296 b is installed a locking member 298 b. Therefore,when the right wall plate 280 b is turned to close the right opening ofthe case 200 b, the latching member 294 b is automatically inserted intothe inserting groove 296 b. At this state the locking member 298 b isdescended into the hook-like latching member 294 b to thereby lock theright wall plate to the case. These locking and releasing operations arecarried out using a release button 292 b, which is provided in thesurface of the right wall plate 280 b of the case 200 b.

That is, the locking member 298 b is coupled with the release button 292b exposed to the exterior of the right wall plate 280 b, such that therelease button 292 b can be pressed to thereby release the lockingmember 298 b. When the locking is released, the release button 292 b isprojected above the surface of the right wall plate 280 b, and whenlocked, it is pushed back so as not to be protruded above the right wallplate 280 b. Thus, if the projected release button 292 b is pressedagain, the release button 292 is operated in such a way that the lockingmember 298 b grips the latching member 294 b to thereby lock the rightwall plate 280 b to the case 200 b.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an audio generator in thegolf-practicing apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 20 is across-section taken along the line B-B in FIG. 19.

The golf-practicing apparatus of the invention may include an audiogenerator. The audio generator is configured such that it detectswhether a golf ball is holed-in and notifies the hole-in to the user,while generating an encouraging voice or music (hereinafter, referred toas a “sound effect”).

The audio generator is provided with a sensor unit for detecting whethera golf ball 400 b is deposited in the hole cup 510 b. The sensor unit810 b is comprised of a first sensor 812 b disposed around the hole cup510 b and a second sensor 814 b disposed on the floor of the case 200 bat a position right below the hole cup 510 b. In particular, the firstsensor 812 b is formed in an arcuate or annular shape disposed aroundthe hole cup 510 b. The second sensor 814 b is preferred to have acircular shape. In addition, the first and second sensors 812 b, 814 bare constructed, preferably, of a pressure sensor, which is actuated bya pressure generated when a golf ball passes over the pressure sensor.

The first sensor 812 b is electrically coupled to an audio controller830 b through a signal line 822 b, which is buried in and installedalong the slanted plate 500 b and the floor plate of the case 200 b andthe boundary area therebetween. The second sensor 814 b too iselectrically coupled to the audio controller 830 b through a signal line824 b buried in the floor of the case 200 b. The audio controller 830 bis provided with a power on/off switch (not shown) for supplying anelectric power, a loudspeaker (not shown) for outputting a sound effect,and the like. As a power supply for the audio controller a battery ispreferred, more preferably a dry batter may be used since it can beeasily mounted and replaced. The loudspeaker may be integrally formedwith the audio controller 830 b, or separately installed in anappropriate place of the case 200 b via an electric wire from the audiocontroller 830 b.

The operation of the audio generator having the above construction willbe described below.

The result of putting or chip-shop is divided into three cases, i.e., 1)a hole-in, 2) a quasi-hole-in where the golf ball reaches near the holecup, but not holed in, and 3) a failure where the golf ball does notreach even near the hole cup. A sound effect for each case isillustrated below.

1) Hole-In

When executing a putting or chip shot, if a golf ball 400 b passes thefirst sensor 812 b and then is holed in through the hole cup 510 b andfallen onto the second sensor 814 b, the first and second sensors 812 band 814 b send their sensing signals to the audio controller 830 b insequence with a certain time gap in-between. Therefore, if a secondsignal is received within a certain period of time, preferably within0.5 seconds, the audio controller 830 b determines it as a hole-in andoutputs a corresponding sound effect through the loudspeaker. In thiscase, the sound effect may includes a variety of congratulation messagessuch as a congratulating music, a voice “hole-in!” a clapping sound, abattle cry, and the like.

2) Quasi-Hole-In

In the quasi-hole-in, a golf ball is touched on the first sensor 812 bdisposed around the hole cup 510 b. For example, the quasi-hole-in isthe case where the golf ball passes near the hole cup 510 b, or the golfball is bounced back from the hole cup 510 b. In this case, the golfball 400 b is detected by the first sensor 812 b, but not sensed by thesecond sensor 814 b. Thus, the first sensing signal from the firstsensor 812 b is transmitted to the audio controller 830 b, but thesecond sensor 814 b does not generate a second signal. When a secondsignal from the second sensor 814 b is not received within a preset timeperiod (for example, within 0.5 seconds) after the first signal isreceived, the audio controller 830 b determines it as a quasi-hole-inand outputs a sound effect corresponding thereto. In this case, thesound effect may include a voice or sound expressing being sorry.

3) Failure

When the golf ball does not reach near the hole cup, both the first andsecond sensors 812 b and 814 b are not operated. Thus, the first andsecond sensors 812 b and 814 b do not send any signal to the audiocontroller 830 b, and consequently no sound effect is output from theloudspeaker. That is, in case where there is no sound effect andresponse, a putting or chip shot is not successful.

As described above, in the portable golf-practicing apparatus of theinvention, a putting mat is integrally constructed with a bag-like casesuch that the mat can be folded and received into the bag-like case whenunused and, when in use, can be simply spread out of the bag-like case,thereby easily and conveniently installing and carrying the apparatus,for example, during a business trip or a travelling.

In addition, the golf-practicing apparatus of the invention can befolded into the form of a bag, thereby minimizing the volume thereof.Thus, it can be easily stored in a limited space and avoided fromstanding in the way when unused. Also, it can be used in a small space.

In the present invention, a double hole cup is employed to adjust therelative difficulty of a practice. A ball returning function is providedto thereby further improve the convenience thereof. In addition, theslope of a hole cup can be adjusted to thereby enable to develop a senseof putting with respect to various distances. Also, a ball storage spaceis provided inside to carry a golf ball all the time. A built-in levelis provided so as to check whether the apparatus is installed on ahorizontal floor. Furthermore, a locking device for a right wall plate,which is pivotably closed and opened from the case, is formed of ametallic material and installed in the exterior of the case, therebyproviding a decorating effect thereto. Or, it may be installed insidethe case to thereby provide a beauty of simplicity and clarity.

In addition, separately from the mat support plate, a cover capable ofserving as a chipping mat is provided and thus a chip shot practice canbe performed along with a putting practice.

Furthermore, the portable golf-practicing apparatus of the invention isprovided with an audio generator, which is operated in such a mannerthat a sound effect is output, for example, when a user accomplishes ahole-in, an applause is output, and when a user accomplishes aquasi-hole-in, a sound or voice of being sorry is output. Thus, the usercan be aware of the result of putting or chip shot and simultaneouslyhave more fun in the practice.

While the present invention has been described with reference to theparticular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by theembodiments but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodimentswithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

1. A portable golf-practicing apparatus comprising: a) a rectangularbox-like case, the top and one lateral side of the case being opened; b)a slanted plate having a hole cup formed at a desired position, one endof the slanted plate being pivotably attached to the lateral openingportion of the case such that a slope angle thereof can be adjusted; c)a mat capable of spreading through the lateral opening portion of thecase when in use and being folded and received inside the case whenstored, one end of the mat being attached to the top face of the slantedplate; d) a side plate for opening and closing the lateral openingportion of the case; and e) a cover for opening and closing the topopening portion of the case.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising a mat support plate, the mat support plate beingcomprised of two or more unit plates on top of which the mat isattached, the mat support plate being capable of spreading outside ofthe case and being folded and received inside the case along with themat.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mat is detachedfrom to the unit plates at the boundary area between neighboring plates,and an outermost unit plate has a spacer projection protruded to the matside near a folding area, thereby preventing the mat from being creasedor wrinkled when folded.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinone end of the slanted plate is pivotably attached to a floor plate ofthe case near the lateral opening portion thereof by means of anadhesive tape and/or a hinge.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4,wherein the slanted plate is provided with a support bar for adjusting aslope angle thereof, the support bar being configured in such a mannerthat a slope angle of the slanted plate can be adjusted by the supportbar moving toward or away from the pivot point of the slanted plate andthe slanted plate can be supported by the support bar at an adjustedslope angle.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the hole cupof the slanted plate is provided with a hole-size adjuster, which can bemounted in the hole cup to thereby adjust the size of the hole cup. 7.The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cover is constituted ofone of the unit plates of the mat support plate.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the cover is constituted of a chipping matplate, separately from the mat support plate.
 9. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein one end of the side plate is pivotably attached tothe case, and in the other end of the side plate and a side face of thecase corresponding to the other end of the side plate is provided alocking device, by which the side plate is locked into the case.
 10. Aportable golf-practicing apparatus comprising: a) a rectangular box-likecase, the top and one lateral side of the case being opened; b) aslanted plate having a hole cup formed at a desired position, one end ofthe slanted plate being pivotably attached to the lateral openingportion of the case such that a slope angle thereof can be adjusted; c)a support bar supporting the slanted plate at an adjusted slope anglewhile moving toward and away from a pivot point of the slanted plate; d)a mat having a length of more than two times of the slanted plate, oneend of the mat being attached to the top face of the slanted plate, themat being capable of spreading through the lateral opening portion ofthe case when in use and being folded and received inside the case whenstored; e) a mat support plate being comprised of two or more unitplates on top of which the mat is attached, one of the unit platesclosing the top opening portion of the case and the remainder beingreceived inside the case; and f) a side plate opening and closing thelateral opening portion of the case.
 11. The apparatus according toclaim 10, further comprising: a) a ball return plate installed insidethe case so as to be slanted downwardly towards the lateral side openingportion such that a golf ball fallen from the hole cup onto the ballreturn plate can be moved; and b) a ball return passageway providedalong the lateral side of the mat support plate and connected with theball return plate, such that the golf ball moved from the ball returnplate is guided to a putting position.
 12. The apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the case is provided with a ball storage box forholding a golf ball, and a level for checking a horizontal level wheninstalling the golf-practicing apparatus.
 13. The apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein in opposing inner sides near the top opening portionof the case is provided guide grooves formed facing each other, and theunit plate serving as a cover is inserted into and guided along theguide grooves.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the matsupport plate includes a first unit plate to be inserted into the guidegrooves so as to close the top opening portion, one end of the firstunit plate being closely contacted with the slanted plate, a second unitplate, one end of which is closely contacted with the other end of thefirst unit plate, and a third unit plate, one end of which is closelycontacted with the other end of the second unit plate.
 15. The apparatusaccording to claim 14, wherein the side plate is provided with alatching member and the case is provided with a locking member at aposition corresponding to the latching member, so that the side plate islocked into the case using the latching member and the locking member.16. A portable golf-practicing apparatus comprising: a) a rectangularbox-like case, the top and one lateral side of the case being opened; b)a slanted plate having a hole cup formed at a desired position, one endof the slanted plate being pivotably attached to the lateral openingportion of the case such that a slope angle thereof can be adjusted; c)a support bar supporting the slanted plate at an adjusted slope anglewhile moving toward and away from a pivot point of the slanted plate; d)a mat having a length of more than two times of the slanted plate, oneend of the mat being attached to the top face of the slanted plate, themat being capable of spreading through the lateral opening portion ofthe case when in use and being folded and received inside the case whenstored; e) a mat support plate being comprised of two or more unitplates on top of which the mat is attached, the mat support plate beingspread outside of the case and being folded and received inside the casealong with the mat; f) a side plate for opening and closing the lateralopening portion of the case; and g) a chipping mat plate closing andopening the top opening portion of the case, an artificial lawn beingattached to one face of the chipping mat plate so as to perform a chipshot practice.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, furthercomprising a sensor detecting a golf ball falling onto the slanted platethrough the hole cup, and a ball ejector being operated according to asensing signal from the sensor to move the golf ball to a user's hittingposition.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising anaudio generator, the audio generator including: a sensor unit having afirst sensor disposed around the hole cup of the slanted plate and asecond sensor disposed on the floor of the case right under the holecup; an audio controller determining a hole-in, a quasi-hole-in, or afailure according to a sensing signal transmitted from the sensor unitand outputting a sound effect corresponding to the determination; and aloudspeaker emitting a sound according to a control signal from theaudio controller.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein theaudio controller is configured such that: when a first sensing signalfrom the first sensor and a second sensing signal from the second sensorare received within a certain time interval which is preset consideringa timing of hole-in, it is determined as a hole-in to thereby allow theloudspeaker to output a sound effect corresponding to a hole-in; andwhen a sensing signal from the second sensor is not received within thecertain time interval after a first sensing signal from the first sensoris received, it is determined as a quasi-hole-in to thereby allow theloudspeaker to output a sound effect corresponding to a quasi-hole-in.